The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao on Monday declared his support for Museveni's 2026 re-election bid, saying he is neither "ashamed nor afraid" to back the ruling NRM candidate.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, DP President revealed that he had personally decided to support Museveni for the next term of office.
"The party will make a statement, but as for me as Mao, I will back President Museveni for the next election. I'm not ashamed and afraid to say that," Mao said.
Mao, who has contested for the presidency before and previously withdrew himself from the 2026 presidential race, explained that his decision reflects both political strategy and the realities of DP's cooperation with the NRM since 2022.
He said the arrangement, which saw him appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, remains under review but will continue with fresh terms after the 2026 polls.
"For the past two to three years, DP has worked in cooperation with the ruling NRM party. That engagement is ongoing, and new terms will be discussed for the next term of office," Mao noted.
However, he said his current focus is on strengthening DP's grassroots structures to prepare for what he called a "transitional table" after Museveni.
